The Challenge of Peptide Proteolytic Stability Studies: Scarce Data, Difficult Readability, and the Need for Harmonization

Marco Cavaco; David Andreu; Miguel A R B Castanho

doi:10.1002/anie.202006372

The Challenge of Peptide Proteolytic Stability Studies: Scarce Data, Difficult Readability, and the Need for Harmonization

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2021 Jan 25;60(4):1686-1688. doi: 10.1002/anie.202006372. Epub 2020 Nov 17.

Authors

Marco Cavaco^{1

2}, David Andreu², Miguel A R B Castanho¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal.
² Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr Aiguader 88, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.

PMID: 33200441
DOI: 10.1002/anie.202006372

Abstract

Proteolytic stability assessment is increasingly viewed as a fundamental component of peptide characterization, arguably of comparable importance as efficacy and toxicity data. A literature survey over the last decade reveals steady growth in the stability information available. However, it also uncovers two significant problems that hinder proper data comparison: 1) the use of different stability assays, and 2) the differences in how stability information is reported. In this Viewpoint, we present results from a database meta-analysis as well as concerns about the stability assessments published so far. We also suggest guidelines for a proper discussion between experts in the field on how to improve data readability so that peptide stability, an often-missing parameter in older literature, is adequately reported to take maximum advantage of it.

Keywords: degradation; peptides; proteolysis; stability.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Humans
Peptides / chemistry*
Protein Stability*
Proteolysis

Substances

Peptides